Buoyant storage vessel

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a buoyant storage vessel  2  comprising a single unit hull  10  that is an integrally molded hull defined by a top wall  12 , a port side wall  13 , a starboard side wall  15 , and a bottom wall  14 , with ballast for stabilizing the buoyant storage vessel  2  from capsizing. The present invention may include an inner wall; a water tank  20  with a corresponding water-fill  22 ; a sink with drain  24 ; a water dispenser  30 ; a stove with at least one burner; an optional grill  50 ; a cold storage compartment  60 ; a fuel or electrical power storage compartment  70 ; forward towline attachment  80  and aft towline attachment  82 ; removable forward wheels  90  and aft wheels  92  that are attached; and/or at least one compartment for gear, supplies &amp; dry storage compartment  40.

BACKGROUND

(1) Technical Field

The present invention is related to the field of storage vessels. More specifically, this disclosure presents a buoyant storage vessel such as a kayak, or canoe storage vessel that could be floating or semi-submersible that is not designed for human transportation.

(2) Discussion

Adventurous people like to explore and discover new, exciting, and sometimes desolate places using small boats, kayaks, canoes, and similar kayak or canoes. Sometimes they are limited as to where they can go based on the availability of essential survival resources available at any given location, and the availability of storage space for such resources. Kayaks or canoes have limited displacement, and therefore, limited storage space for resources. Some kayaks or canoes are so limited that they have no room at all for water or other essential resources. However, these kayaks or canoes could tow an additional kayak or canoe designed for the transportation, storage, and dispense of essential survival resources, but not a kayak or canoe designed for human transportation. There is a need for recreational kayak or canoes made explicitly for the transportation of essential survival resources. Currently, people use kayaks or canoes made for the transportation of humans to carry essential resources. The problem with using kayaks or canoes that are designed for human transportation is that the space is not adequately used for the storage of essential survival resources and that such storage on kayaks or canoes that are designed for human transportation must be unpacked, set-up elsewhere, and repacked after use. This can be very bothersome, very messy, cause damage to resources, not efficient, and in some cases unrealistic. There is also a problem with stability for kayaks and canoes carrying survival resources. When the kayaks and canoes are loaded with supplies, they may easily capsize.

Information relevant to attempts to address these problems can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,101,964; 5,435,261; 4,871,079; and 3,779,196. However, each one of these references suffers from providing only one type of a resource for boaters and does not encumber all of the needs or essential survival resources for boaters or shore/island campers.

A need exists in the art to offer an additional kayak or canoe type vessel that is designed for the transportation, storage, and dispense of essential survival resources, instead of being designed for human transportation. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a kayak or canoe type vessel with a means of enhancing the stability of these vessels that is designed for the transportation, storage, and dispense of essential survival resources, instead of being designed for human transportation, for boaters and shore or island campers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, a buoyant storage vessel, provides a kayak or canoe type vessel with a means of enhancing the stability of this vessel that is designed for the transportation, storage, and dispense of essential survival resources, instead of being designed for human transportation, for boaters and shore or island campers.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a buoyant storage vessel as the ideal way for the avid camper, boater, or adventuresses to store, transport, and dispense essential survival supplies where they may not otherwise be available. Towed to a remote location, a boater may side-tie the buoyant storage vessel next to their boat at anchor. With their boat at anchor, a boater may also tow the buoyant storage vessel with a smaller landing craft to a beach, dock, or other camping location and pull all of their camping gear and essential survival resources ashore with ease. Whether camping on a boat or ashore the buoyant storage vessel provides the advantages of water, cooking, cold perishables storage, dry storage, and even hot water for the extravagant, otherwise not available. Boaters with limited capacity may fully utilize the advantages of the buoyant storage vessel designed similar to their pleasure craft.

This invention in one embodiment comprises a buoyant storage vessel which provides space and storage for boaters and campers. The buoyant storage vessel comprises a top wall, including a bow portion of the top wall, a stern portion of the top wall, a port portion of the top wall, and a starboard portion of the top wall, wherein the top wall has openings for storage; a port side wall, comprising a bow portion of the port side wall, a stern portion of the port side wall, a top portion of the port side wall, and a bottom portion of the port side wall, wherein the top portion of the port side wall is attached to the port portion of the top wall; a starboard side wall, comprising a bow portion of the starboard side wall, a stern portion of the starboard side wall, a top portion of the starboard side wall, and a bottom portion of the starboard side wall, wherein the top portion of the starboard side wall is attached to the starboard portion of the top wall, the bow portion of the port side wall is attached to the bow portion of the starboard side wall, and the stern portion of the port side wall is attached to the stern portion of the starboard side wall; a bottom wall, comprising a bow portion of the bottom wall, a stern portion of the bottom wall, a port portion of the bottom wall, and a starboard portion of the bottom wall, wherein the port portion of the bottom wall is attached to the bottom portion of the port side wall, the starboard portion of the bottom wall is attached to the bottom portion of the starboard side wall, the bow portion of the bottom wall is attached to the bow portion of the port side and the bow portion of the starboard side, and the stern portion of the bottom wall is attached to the stern portion of the port side and the stern portion of the starboard side; and a ballast (attached to/integrated into) the lower portion of the buoyant storage vessel for stabilizing the buoyant storage vessel from capsizing.

Another embodiment of the present invention may further include an inner wall shaped with the bottom, port and starboard walls facing the top wall and that is connected to the top wall.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention may further include an inner wall shaped with the bottom, port and starboard walls facing the top wall and that is connected to both port and starboard walls close to where they meet the top wall.

Still another embodiment of the present invention may further include an inner wall shaped with the bottom, port and starboard walls facing the top wall and that is connected to the top, port, and starboard walls.

Another embodiment of the present invention may further include a water tank internally located within the buoyant storage vessel for the purpose of water storage.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention may further include a water dispenser attached for the purpose of dispensing water stored in the water tank.

Still another embodiment of the present invention may further include a sink with drain installed for the purpose of collecting water until drained.

Another embodiment may further include a stove with at least one burner installed for the purpose of cooking.

Yet another embodiment may further include a grill attached for the purpose of grilling.

Still another embodiment may further include a cold storage compartment installed for the purpose of cooling or keeping cold stored items.

Another embodiment may further include the cold storage compartment comprising an icebox.

Yet another embodiment may further include the cold storage compartment comprising a refrigerator.

Still another embodiment may further include an electrical power supply attached for the purpose of supplying electrical power.

Another embodiment may further include at least one fuel supply attached for the purpose of supplying fuel.

Yet another embodiment may further include a tow attachment attached for the purpose of towing.

Still another embodiment may further include wheels attached for the purpose of moving the buoyant storage vessel on land.

Another embodiment may further include at least one gear, supplies, and dry storage compartment attached for storing gear, supplies, and dry storage items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a side internal perspective view of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a top exterior perspective view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to the field of buoyant storage vessels. More specifically, this disclosure presents a buoyant storage vessel that offers an additional kayak or canoe designed for transportation, storage, and dispense of essential survival resources, instead of human transportation. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

(1) Overview

The present invention provides a buoyant storage vessel as an ideal way for the avid camper, boater, or adventuresses to store, transport, and dispense essential survival supplies where they may not otherwise be available. This invention is useful for offering a stable kayak or canoe type vessel that is designed for the transportation, storage, and dispense of essential survival resources instead of being designed for human transportation. There are many applications for this invention with regards to boating and camping. One could bring everything essential for survival while kayak camping or one could simply tow enough water and supplies needed for weeks at a time behind their sailboat to a desolated island. Towed to a remote location, boaters may side-tie the buoyant storage vessel next to their boat at anchor. If the user's kayak or canoe is not powerful enough to tow, this invention could have its own propulsion while being towed. With their boat at anchor, boaters may also tow the buoyant storage vessel with a smaller landing craft to a beach, dock, or other camping location and pull all of their camping gear and essential survival resources ashore with ease. Whether camping on a boat or ashore the buoyant storage vessel provides the advantages of water, cooking, cold perishables storage, dry storage, and even hot water for the extravagant, otherwise not available. Boaters with limited capacity will fully utilize the advantages of the buoyant storage vessel designed similar to their pleasure craft.

(2) Description

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, an overview of an embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1 & 2. The present invention, a buoyant storage vessel 2 comprising a single unit hull 10 is integrally molded. The single unit hull 10 is defined by a top wall 12, a port side wall 13, a starboard side wall 15, and a bottom wall 14. The top wall 12 has openings of restricted dimensions relative to the top wall 12 so that the top wall 12 extends fore and aft and also laterally from the openings. There may be an internal frame structure to support the single unit hull 10, the top wall 12, and all other attachments to the single unit hull 10. The port side wall 13 and the starboard side wall 15 have a ribbed frame structure. The bow and stem frame structure connects the port, starboard, bottom, and top frame structures together respectively. The bottom frame structure is connected to the bow frame structure, the stem frame structure, and the ribbed frame structures of the port side wall 13 and the starboard side wall 15 to give support for the buoyant storage vessel 2. The buoyant storage vessel's 2 top and internal optional compartments, equipments, and attachments are shown in FIG. 1. The top frame is connected to the bow, stem, bottom, port, and starboard frame and is integrated with all openings of top wall to give support for the attributes that encompass the objectives and advantages of invention, which are referenced in FIGS. 1 & 2. As depicted in FIG. 2, the top wall 12 has openings in the central zone of the top wall 12 to conventionally provide space for the attributes that encompass the objectives and advantages of invention references and are later described in operation. The openings of the top wall 12 are of limited width and length to be narrower than the width of the buoyant storage vessel 2 so that the top wall 12 completely surrounds openings defining a bow top wall portion, a stern top wall portion, and lateral top wall portions extending forward, rearward, and laterally respectively from the buoyant storage vessel 2 openings. As shown in FIG. 1, the port side wall 13, the starboard side wall 15, and the bottom wall 14 in the single unit hull 10 of the buoyant storage vessel 2 may include an inner bottom portion, and port and starboard wall portions 38 located opposite the top wall 12. The bow and stem bottom wall portions face the bow and stem top wall portions. A ballast 39 may be located beneath or on the exterior of the bottom wall 14, or on the exterior of the bottom wall 14, the port side wall 13, and the starboard side wall 15 of the single unit hull 10. The ballast 39 may be located above or on the interior of the bottom wall 14 of the single unit hull 10, or the ballast 39-may be integrated with the bottom wall 14, the port side wall 13, and the starboard side wall 15 in the single unit hull 10 of the buoyant storage vessel 2 and the intermediate bottom, port, and starboard wall portion 38. The ballast 39 stabilizes the buoyant storage vessel 2 and aids in keeping the buoyant storage vessel 2 from capsizing. The single unit hull 10 is constructed of one or more of the many boating types of material available. The present invention may include a water tank 20, which may be a cavity for storage of water, with a corresponding water-fill 22 that lies on the top wall of the buoyant storage vessel 2. The water tank 20 is positioned in the bottom portion of buoyant storage vessel 2 centrally located forward to aft and port to starboard. Preferably, the water tank 20 should be positioned in a lateral way extending fore and aft within the buoyant storage vessel 2 in a way as to maintain stability. Another option for the buoyant storage vessel 2 is a sink 24 with drain 26. Still another option for the buoyant storage vessel 2 is a water dispenser 30 with a pump 32. The water may be dispensed through the water dispenser 30 using a water pump 32 which may be either a manual pump or an electric pump powered by a 12-volt electrical power supply stored in the fuel or electric power compartment 70. The present invention may include a stove with at least one burner and optional grill 50. The at least one burner stove with optional grill 50 may be fueled by way of a stove fuel line 52 that connects the at least one burner stove and optional grill 50 with the fuel, for the at least one burner stove and optional grill 50, stored in the fuel or electric power compartment 70. Another option for the present invention is a cold storage compartment 60 with an optional drain line 62 for draining the cold storage compartment 60. The cold storage compartment 60 may be as simple as an ice box type insulated compartment to keep items cold by use of ice or it may be a refrigerator that uses propane or electricity supplied by propane fuel or electrical power stored in the fuel or electrical power storage compartment 70. The present invention may be designed for either a fuel or electrical power storage compartment 70. As depicted in FIG. 2, the present invention may further include a forward towline attachment 80 such as a reinforced circular towline loop and an aft towline attachment 82 such as a reinforced circular towline loop for being towed by another vessel, or a person. These attachments may also be useful for attachment to a vessel, dock, or anchor. As shown in FIG. 1, yet another option is stationary, movable, or removable forward wheels 90 and aft wheels 92 that are attached. Yet another option for the buoyant storage vessel 2 is at least one gear, supplies & dry storage compartment 40 for storing gear, supplies & dry storage.

(3) Operation

In operation, one may utilize this buoyant semi-submersible storage vessel to store and transport water, food and essential camping/survival supplies. The user may, when desired, cook utilizing a heat source range, store perishable items within the cold storage compartment, and have the ability to store and dispense potable water. In addition, one may store dry goods, extra clothing, and bedding within the additional dry compartments on the buoyant storage vessel. While operating in water, the bottom wall 14, the port side wall 13, and the starboard side wall 15 of the single unit hull 10 provide the water displacement for buoyancy to support the buoyant storage vessel 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention may contain the water tank 20 for water storage. The water tank 20 may be filled through the water-fill 22 as shown in FIGS. 1 & 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the water storage may be used in conjunction with the sink 24 with the drain 26 and with the water dispenser 30. The water may then be used in the sink with the drain 24 and ultimately the water may be drained out of the sink through the sink drain line 26 and through a through hull. As shown in FIG. 2, another option for the present invention is the at least one burner stove with optional grill 50 that may be next to the sink with the drain 24 and the water dispenser 30. The at least one burner stove with optional grill 50 may use a fuel supply, such as propane stored in the fuel or electrical power compartment 70. The fuel types may vary and may be of one fuel type or multiple fuel types. Fuel types that are commonly used in boating and camping and that may be stored in the fuel or electric power compartment 70 are, but not limited to, propane, diesel, gasoline, natural gas, and alcohol. The electrical power types may vary and may be of one electrical power type or multiple electrical power types. Electrical power types that are commonly used in boating and camping and that may be stored in fuel or electric power compartment 70 are, but not limited to, single or multiple batteries, solar, or that of a generator. Next to the at least one burner stove and optional grill 50, and the fuel or electric power compartment 70 is the cold storage compartment 60. The buoyant storage vessel 2 may be operated or moved through the water by towing the buoyant storage vessel 2 with a boat, kayak, canoe, paddle board, personal water craft, human or other means utilizing the forward towline attachment 80. Also an aft towline attachment 82 may be utilized for towing or securing the buoyant storage vessel 2. As shown in FIG. 1, when coming ashore, the buoyant storage vessel 2 may be pulled on land utilizing stationary, movable, or removable forward wheels 90 and/or aft wheels 92 that are attached. As depicted in FIG. 2, the gear, supplies & dry storage compartment 40 may be organized as one or more compartments for economy and efficiency.

With respect to other embodiments, this invention may otherwise be described as a buoyant storage vessel 2 that will carry equipment, supplies, and items for recreational and survival necessity. It may take the shape and size of any kayak or canoe type buoyant vessel categorized as a boat, as described in maritime industry as a kayak or canoe less than sixty-five feet long. Since this vessel is not designed for the transportation of any persons, there is no designed space for any persons. However, a person could grab, hold, climb, and otherwise use any embodiment of invention as an emergency floatation device. Furthermore, the description and operation of other embodiments of invention could include any-other boating or camping appliances or attributes that enhances the advantages of invention. Likewise, other embodiments may reorganize any of the attributes, objectives, or advantages of the preferred embodiments as described. 

1. A buoyant storage vessel, which provides space and storage, the buoyant storage vessel comprising: a top wall, comprising a bow portion of the top wall, a stem portion of the top wall, a port portion of the top wall, and a starboard portion of the top wall, wherein the top wall has openings for storage; a port side wall, comprising a bow portion of the port side wall, a stem portion of the port side wall, a top portion of the port side wall, and a bottom portion of the port side wall, wherein the top portion of the port side wall is attached to the port portion of the top wall; a starboard side wall, comprising a bow portion of the starboard side wall, a stem portion of the starboard side wall, a top portion of the starboard side wall, and a bottom portion of the starboard side wall, wherein the top portion of the starboard side wall is attached to the starboard portion of the top wall, the bow portion of the port side wall is attached to the bow portion of the starboard side wall, and the stem portion of the port side wall is attached to the stem portion of the starboard side wall; a bottom wall, comprising a bow portion of the bottom wall, a stem portion of the bottom wall, a port portion of the bottom wall, and a starboard portion of the bottom wall, wherein the port portion of the bottom wall is attached to the bottom portion of the port side wall, the starboard portion of the bottom wall is attached to the bottom portion of the starboard side wall, the bow portion of the bottom wall is attached to the bow portion of the port side and the bow portion of the starboard side, and the stem portion of the bottom wall is attached to the stem portion of the port side and the stem portion of the starboard side; and a ballast (attached to/integrated into) the lower portion of the buoyant storage vessel for stabilizing the buoyant storage vessel from capsizing.
 2. A buoyant storage vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an inner wall shaped with the bottom, port and starboard walls facing the top wall and that is connected to the top wall.
 3. A buoyant storage vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an inner wall shaped with the bottom, port and starboard walls facing the top wall and that is connected to both port and starboard walls close to where they meet the top wall.
 4. A buoyant storage vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an inner wall shaped with the bottom, port and starboard walls facing the top wall and that is connected to the top, port, and starboard walls.
 5. A buoyant storage vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a water tank internally located within the buoyant storage vessel for the purpose of water storage.
 6. A buoyant storage vessel as set forth in claim 5, further comprising a water dispenser attached for the purpose of dispensing water stored in the water tank.
 7. A buoyant storage vessel as set forth in claim 6, further comprising a sink with drain installed for the purpose of collecting water until drained.
 8. A buoyant storage vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a stove with at least one burner installed for the purpose of cooking.
 9. A buoyant storage vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a grill attached for the purpose of grilling.
 10. A buoyant storage vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a cold storage compartment installed for the purpose of cooling or keeping cold stored items.
 11. A buoyant storage vessel as set forth in claim 10, wherein the cold storage compartment comprises an icebox.
 12. A buoyant storage vessel as set forth in claim 10, wherein the cold storage compartment comprises a refrigerator.
 13. A buoyant storage vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an electrical power supply attached for the purpose of supplying electrical power.
 14. A buoyant storage vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising at least one fuel supply attached for the purpose of supplying fuel.
 15. A buoyant storage vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a tow attachment attached for the purpose of towing.
 16. A buoyant storage vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising wheels attached for the purpose of moving the buoyant storage vessel on land.
 17. A buoyant storage vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising at least one gear, supplies, and dry storage compartment attached for storing gear, supplies, and dry storage items. 